A Second Opinion

Well, it has been quite a week. You can imagine the emotional upheaval caused by the last doctor's prognosis. I felt quite helpless, knowing I could do little to protect my daughter...and worrying that something could be truly wrong with her. I did my best not to worry (not exactly easy) and focus on the positive. This is what I came up with—First, I have an amazing family. Thank you all, by the way, for offering your support, concerns, and well-wishes. It was truly touching. I realized that no matter what this baby will be born into a family that is full of love and support—and with that there is no obstacle that cannot be faced. Second, our daughter comes from a long line of strong women. Some people may argue "stubborn women" is a more appropriate term. However, in either case, we are fighters and survivors in many respects. Third, as silly as it may sound, I feel like I would know if there was something truly wrong. Fourth, I count myself lucky to be pregnant as some women never get the opportunity to experience it...and to love someone so much without ever having met her. That in itself is worth anything we may come up against. And finally, I forced myself to come to terms with the fact that I don't have control over what happens to my baby...as much as I would like to. All I can do is control how well I take care of myself and hope for the best. So I focused on these things and made it to today with calm.

Today, Pat and I went to Cornell to see a specialist there. This doctor specializes in fetal abnormalities and complicated pregnancies. Immediately I felt more at ease in this office than in the other specialist's office. First of all, the ultrasound technician was warm and friendly. She asked questions about our history and the reason for coming in today. She explained what measurements she was taking and was quite thorough. Then, we moved to another room to be examined with another machine that had different measurement capabilities. Another ultrasound technician took measurements at this point. Then the doctor came in and joined the two ultrasound technicians. He also took a look himself and, specifically, checked our baby's lungs. At the end of this hour-long visit, the doctor told us he felt the prognosis was good. He explained what the other doctor suspected and explained what he saw. He told us that he did not feel we had a need to be alarmed and to come in for monthly ultrasounds to check the development of the lungs. All in all, it was relieving to hear. Since we cannot really do anything whether the previous doctor's diagnosis was right or not, all we can do is remain calm and await the next ultrasound. Hopefully the prognosis will continue to be a good one.

For those who offered their prayers, shared our worries, or offered words of comfort or love, I thank you. Pat thanks you. Our baby thanks you. You have no idea how much your love and support means. We would be nowhere without it.

Much love to you all...

- Shana